DVD Dossier Blog: New Releases, Street Dates, Movie Reviews and Commentary

DVD Releases for October 16, 2007

Here are the new DVD releases you'll find on store shelves today.

"Transformers" arrives this week in widescreen DVD and HD DVD 2-Disc Special Edition sets as well as on in a full screen single disc edition.

Earning over $650 million at the global box office to date, the film - from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg (in association with Hasbro), is the first live-action film based on the enduringly popular "robots in disguise."

"Transformers" features the ultimate battle between good and evil, as the peace-loving Autobots seek to protect humanity from the evil forces of the Decepticons. The action-packed film stars Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and Megan Fox, along with Jon Voight and John Turturro.

But the biggest stars are the "Transformers" robots themselves - including fan favorites Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Ratchet and Jazz - brought to life by the digital wizards at Industrial Light & Magic.

The 2-Disc Special Editions come with an arsenal of bonus materials including commentary by Michael Bay and two multi-part in-depth documentaries exploring the human elements of the film as well as the phenomenal robot stars.

Presented in multiple parts, "Our World" and "Their War" include segments with Spielberg discussing his love for the franchise and the early concept for the movie, the extensive casting process, the training, consultants and real-world weapons provided by the military to lend authenticity to the film, the evolution of the robots from Hasbro's iconic toy line to big-screen stars, the unique vehicles created for the movie and more.

Based on the horrifying true story of kidnapped "Wall Street Journal" reporter Daniel Pearl and his wife Mariane, "A Mighty Heart" is a heartwrenching, inspirational drama that will haunt you for years to come.

Angelina Jolie breathes life into the unforgettable story of Mariane Pearl, who will stop at nothing to find out the truth about her husband's disappearance in the tumultuous weeks following his kidnapping.

Directed by Michael Winterbottom, "A Mighty Heart" is a captivating journey into the heart of one woman who refused to be terrorized.

"A Mighty Heart" is out this week on DVD and HD DVD.

Director Lasse Hallstrom spins a thrilling, unbelievable true story of the man who nearly pulled off the biggest media scam of the 20th century in "The Hoax," starring Richard Gere, Alfred Molina and Marcia Gay Harden.

The film is based on Clifford Irving's controversial autobiography by the same name.

Gere plays Irving, a novelist-turned-literary-scam-artist who in the 1970s penned a bogus autobiography of reclusive playboy billionaire Howard Hughes. Screenwriter William Wheeler based his "Hoax" script on Irving's ownbook by the same name.

Son of a successful cartoonist, Irving was a critically acclaimed novelist with modest book sales in the early 1970s when publisher Andrea Tate (played by Hope Davis) turns down his newest effort.

So Irving and friend Dick Susskind (Molina) conceived of a faux Hughes bio as a way to reinvigorate Irving's literary career and make a few bucks.

In the supernatural thriller, "The Reaping," investigative scholar Katherine Winter (Hilary Swank) is a debunker of modern "miracles," bringing scientific light to superstition and fraud.

But events in tiny Haven, Louisiana, defy even her expertise. There, the 10 Biblical Plagues seem to be reoccurring.

And the more she seeks answers, the more she questions her own beliefs.

Swank headlines this film, along with David Morrissey and Steven Rea. Together, they reap locusts, frogs, a river of blood and more fear-inducing, heart-probing effects.

"The Reaping" is out this week on standard definition DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

Warner Home Video debuts on DVD this week the studio's landmark motion picture, "The Jazz Singer," the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue and musical sequences.

The movie, which brought Broadway superstar Al Jolson "alive" and seemingly singing from the screen, was an immediate sensation when it opened in 1927 and created a revolution in the motion picture industry.

"The Jazz Singer" is available only in a deluxe 3-Disc 80th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, with the film restored and remastered from the earliest surviving nitrate film elements and original Vitaphone sound-on-disc recordings.

In addition, the set includes hours of rare and never-seen features: vintage shorts and film excerpts, a radio show adaptation featuring Jolson, audio commentaries and a wealth of collectible memorabilia.

"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Complete Series" also arrives on DVD this week.

The boxed set features the series' entire 22 episodes on six discs as well as bonus material, including a new, behind-the-scenes featurette and commentary from series' creator Aaron Sorkin and producer Thomas Schlamme.

The series documents the drama that takes place behind the scenes at a popular television comedy sketch show, much like "Saturday Night Live." It received mixed to favorable reviews, but failed to catch on with the viewing public. It was quickly put on hiatus by NBC, with the remaining episodes played down after the end of the regular TV season.

Fast-paced, witty and intelligently written, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" captures all the backstage happenings at a fictional live sketch comedy show that is run by two likeable hotshots, head writer Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and producer Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford).

The two are brought in to revive NBS TV's sagging flagship comedy series, where they share the workplace with an eclectic cast of characters, including their savvy boss and recently hired network president, Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet), Jack Rudolph (Steven Webber), chairman of NBS and Cal Shanley (Timothy Busfield), the show's director.

Also featured in the ensemble cast are some of the show’s talented actors, including Harriet Hays (Sarah Paulson), Tom Jeter (Nate Corddry) and Simon Styles (D.L. Hughley). Each episode explores the lives and loves of - as well as the make-or-break creative pressures placed on - the show's staff.


As always, a list of top DVD releases for this week can be found in our left sidebar. You can also click "continue reading" (below) to read this extended post, which includes a more complete list of top DVD releases for this week.       

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DVD Releases for October 9, 2007

Here are the new DVD releases you'll find on store shelves today.

"Surf's Up," an animated adventure, goes behind the scenes of the high-octane world of competitive penguin surfing.

Inspired by his hero, the legendary wave rider Big Z, Cody Maverick leaves his family and his town of Shiverpool, Antarctica to travel to Pen Gu Island for the Big Z Memorial Surf Off - Cody’s first pro competition. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he deserves.

But when he unexpectedly comes face to face with Geek, a washed up old surfer, Cody begins to understand that the greatest champion isn’t always the one who comes in first.

Starring the vocal talents of Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel and Jon Heder, "Surf's Up" is a family-friendly animated adventure out this week on DVD (widescreen / full screen) and Blu-ray Disc.

"Evan Almighty" is a sequel (of sorts) to "Bruce Almighty," which starred Jim Carrey.

This time out, Steve Carell plays Evan Baxter, whose simple wish to change the world turns into a baffling request from God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ark.

Evan’s seemingly perfect life is soon turned upside down. With the help of his family and a comical cast of animals, Evan’s unbelievable adventure becomes a life-changing experience.

The film co-stars Lauren Graham, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes, Jonah Hill and Molly Shannon and the DVD features over 12 minutes of deleted scenes and outtakes.

"Evan Almighty" is available on DVD in widescreen and full screen editions as well as on HD DVD.

"28 Weeks Later" picks up six months after the Rage virus that was unleashed in "28 Days Later" has decimated London and annihilated the British Isles.

In this heart-stopping zombie horror sequel, the army declares the war against the infection has been won and the reconstruction of the country slowly begins.

But as the first wave of refugees returns, the deadly infection resurfaces without warning, and this time – it is more dangerous than before.

One of the best reviewed horror films in years, the "28 Weeks Later" DVD features over 13 minutes of deleted scenes, three behind-the-scenes featurettes, director commentary plus exclusive “28 Days Later: The Aftermath” flash-animated segments, based on the new Fox Atomic Comics graphic novel bridging the storyline between the two films.

"28 Weeks Later" is available on DVD in separate widescreen and full screen versions, as well as on Blu-ray Disc.

"Reign Over Me," an uplifting and critically acclaimed drama is available on DVD in separate widescreen and full screen versions and Blu-ray Disc this week.

The film tells the heart-warming story of the chance reunion of two former college roommates, Charlie Fineman, played by Adam Sandler, and Alan Johnson, played by Don Cheadle.

Five years after losing his beloved family on 9/11, Charlie struggles to reconnect to his former life. At the same time, Alan, who has a successful career and a beautiful family with wife Janeane, played by Jada Pinkett Smith, feels overwhelmed by his responsibilities and longs for the former carefree college days with his buddy Charlie.

The rediscovered friendship becomes a lifeline for the two men, and with the help of psychiatrist Angela Oakhurst, played by Liv Tyler, the friends soon rediscover how to live every day to the fullest.


As always, a list of top DVD releases for this week can be found in our left sidebar. You can also click "continue reading" (below) to read this extended post, which includes a more complete list of top DVD releases for this week.       

 

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DVD Releases for October 2, 2007

Here are the new DVD releases you'll find on store shelves today.

"Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer" arrives this week... the world's premiere superhero team, The Fantastic Four, meets their greatest challenge yet as the enigmatic, intergalactic herald, The Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction.

As the Silver Surfer races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery of the Silver Surfer and confront the surprising return of their mortal enemy, Dr. Doom, before all hope is lost.

The second installment of the live-action film series based on what fans know as "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine," this action-packed sequel reunites Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans and Ioan Gruffudd as The Invisible Woman, The Thing, The Human Torch and Mr. Fantastic.

"Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer" also stars Julian McMahon, Andre Braugher, Kerry Washington and Laurence Fishburne as the voice of the enigmatic Silver Surfer, the intriguing computer generated character created by the visual effects house Weta Digital.

Loaded with bonus features, the "Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer: The Power Cosmic Edition" 2-Disc set includes hours of exclusive content including deleted scenes, a full-length making of documentary, multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentaries and more.

A Blu-ray Disc with the same bonus features is also available, as are a single-disc version and a special "Fantastic Four 2 Pack" featuring the original "Fantastic Four" film and this sequel, packaged together and value-priced.

John Cusack gives a chilling performance as a best-selling author who specializes in debunking the paranormal in the new thriller "1408."

To do some research for his latest novel, he checks into the Dolphin Hotel's infamous room 1408 where there have been 57 deaths since its opening and shortly discovers that unlike his previous haunted encounters, the terror of room 1408 is all too real.

In fact, he uncovers an evil so powerful that no one has ever been able to survive an hour within the walls of room 1408.

Based on a Stephen King story, "1408" was brought to the screen by director Mikael Hafstrom and also stars Samuel L. Jackson and Mary McCormack.

"1408" is available as a 2-Disc Collector's Edition featuring an extended director's cut with a surprising alternate ending, the theatrical version of the film, five deleted scenes and collectible Dolphin Hotel postcards.

The film is also available in single disc editions featuring the theatrical version of the film in either widescreen or full screen.

Also this week, Disney celebrates the 40th anniversary of "The Jungle Book" with a 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD.

"The Jungle Book," the last animated film Walt himself personally supervised, follows the adventures of the boy, Mowgli, as he makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther.

Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli "The Bare Necessities" of life and the true meaning of friendship.

The original cast includes a pair of "Winnie the Pooh" stars: voice of Pooh himself, Sterling Holloway as python Kaa, and Sebastian Cabot speaking for Bagheera the panther. Oscar winner George Sanders voiced tiger Shere Khan. Bruce Reitherman, played Mowgli, with Phil Harris as Baloo the bear.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s "Mowgli Stories," "The Jungle Book" is Disney’s 10th title to be honored with "Platinum" status. This new edition features enhanced picture and sound and all-new bonus features.

A new 3-Disc "Imperial Edition" of "Caligula" is out today.

A pop-culture phenomenon filled with scandal, rumors and controversy since its checkered production history beginning in 1976, this unflinching look at the decadence of ancient Rome remains incredibly popular more than thirty years later.

The deluxe DVD set is highlighted by two newly-recorded, no-holds-barred commentary tracks with the film's stars, Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren. (The film also features dynamic performances by Peter O’Toole and John Gielgud.)

The film's director, cult favorite Tinto Brass, also goes on record in an extensive new filmed interview discussing the making of the film; other new interviews include actors John Steiner, Lori Wagner, and the film's on-set reporter, Ernest Volkman.

Bonus features include two versions of the "Making of Caligula" documentary (featuring interviews with the stars and filmmakers as well as writer Gore Vidal), hours of never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, and hundreds of photographs from the set never seen by the public.

Also included are three theatrical trailers, a CD containing the full soundtrack release as well as 40 minutes of alternate and unreleased tracks written for the film, plus DVD-Rom supplements including Vidal's original screenplay, an interview with Bob Guccione and three magazine features.

"The War" is a seven-part documentary series, produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, that is currently airing on PBS.

It examines the myriad ways in which the Second World War touched the lives of every family on every street in every town in America.

By telling the stories of ordinary people in four quintessentially American towns - Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and the tiny farming town of Luverne, Minnesota - the series portrays this enormous worldwide catastrophe on an intimate, human scale.

"The War" intertwines vivid eyewitness accounts of the harrowing realities of life on the front lines with reminiscences of Americans who never left their home towns, and who tried their best to carry on with the business of daily life while their fathers and brothers and sons were overseas.

The series honors and celebrate the bravery, endurance, and sacrifice, of the generation of Americans who lived through what will always be known simply as "The War."

In the First Season - just six episodes - of the critically-acclaimed "The Sarah Silverman Program," Sarah gets hepped up on cough syrup, takes in a homeless man and poops her pants.

With her unique perspective on life and her ability to turn just about everything into a song, the series demonstrates why Sarah Silverman is an American treasure... an offensive, filthy-mouthed treasure.

Bonus material features musical performances, karaoke sing-a-long and audio commentary from the entire cast.

"The Sarah Silverman Program" stars Silverman as a character (aptly named Sarah Silverman) whose absurd daily life is told through narrative and an occasional song.

In each episode, Sarah falls into unique, unsettling and always hilarious predicaments, with her sister (played by real-life sister Laura Silverman), her nerdy gay neighbors, Brian and Steve (Brian Posehn and Steve Agee) and dim-witted Officer Jay (Jay Johnston) never far from her side.


As always, a list of top DVD releases for this week can be found in our left sidebar. You can also click "continue reading" (below) to read this extended post, which includes a more complete list of top DVD releases for this week.       

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